Umguza CEO off the hook over $1.6 million fraud

Umguza Rural District council chief executive officer Collen Moyo, who was facing $1,6 million has been left off the hook after his case was withdrawn before plea.

 The money was meant for the refurbishment of Ilitshe road in Umguza.

Magistrate Trynos Wutawashe "The state has indicated its intention to withdraw the allegations against the accused before plea. That is granted and the charges are formally withdrawn before plea," the magistrate ruled.

It was the State case that sometime in 2010, the Zimbabwe National Road Authority (Zinara) gave Umguza council $1,6 million for the reconstruction of a 12km stretch of Ilitshe Road and construction of a 60-metre bridge across Umguza River.

Moyo allegedly unlawfully facilitated the release of funds to Notify Enterprises before it was contracted to carry out the rehabilitation of the road by raising false claims certifying that work had been done.

When the project was put to tender and Moyo realised he was going to be exposed, he allegedly abused his power as CEO to cause the awarding of the tender to Notify Enterprises in retrospect.

The contractor was allegedly paid a total of $1 455 650, but no bridge was constructed.